Spiderwort has grassy foliage and interesting purple blossoms, but tends to flop after flowering. It does best in shady locations and benefits from a good haircut after blooming.
Latin Name
Tradescantia virginiana
Family
Commelinaceae
Also Known As
Spider Lily
Type of Plant
Perennials
Bloom Season
May - July
Seasons
Summer
Specifications
Max Height: 3'
Max Spread: 1.5'
Uses
Sunlight Exposure
Full Shade
Part Shade
Tolerances
Toxicity
Skin irritant
Colors
Native Range
Eastern United States
History
Philadelphia plantsman John Bartram listed this Virginia native for sale in 1770.
Planted at Mount Vernon
Hardiness Zones
Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005
Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility. Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.
Bring Washington's Garden Home
Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.
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